BIG thighs

breakingthecycle722
breakingthecycle722 Posts: 163
in Fitness and Exercise
So I didnt look through every topic, I am sure this has already been discussed, but I need exercise ideas to shrink my thighs. I have been doing squats, wall sits and leg machines at my gym. I havent measured but I am sure the look bigger. Any ideas?

Replies

  • lackspanache
    lackspanache Posts: 2
    Hi! So I'm new here, but upon reading your post this is my immediate instinct: I'm pretty sure that if they are, in fact, bigger it's muscle gain. Squats and wall sits are very good for building up muscle, maybe you need to start toning it now? At least that's what I think. I hope I helped!
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    The only way to do it is with persistent calorie deficit. Keep losing fat, and eventually the thighs will shrink. There are no exercises that will target fat loss in any one area.

    If they look bigger, but you're on a calorie deficit, you can rest assured that the swelling is temporary and they will go back down after your body acclimates to your new exercise program. You won't gain muscle on a deficit. It might feel like you are for a little while but it WILL go away.
  • HawkeyeTy
    HawkeyeTy Posts: 681 Member
    Eat Less.
  • breakingthecycle722
    breakingthecycle722 Posts: 163
    thats what I was thinking, more cardio maybe/. IDK Im new to this world also. I do about 30 min of cardio followed by 30 min of weights/machines.
    Thanks lacks :)
  • HawkeyeTy
    HawkeyeTy Posts: 681 Member
    thats what I was thinking, more cardio maybe/. IDK Im new to this world also. I do about 30 min of cardio followed by 30 min of weights/machines.
    Thanks lacks :)

    What you're doing will be fine.

    But if you're not losing the weight, you need to be eating less.
  • breakingthecycle722
    breakingthecycle722 Posts: 163
    The only way to do it is with persistent calorie deficit. Keep losing fat, and eventually the thighs will shrink. There are no exercises that will target fat loss in any one area.

    If they look bigger, but you're on a calorie deficit, you can rest assured that the swelling is temporary and they will go back down after your body acclimates to your new exercise program. You won't gain muscle on a deficit. It might feel like you are for a little while but it WILL go away.
    thank you! this was very helpful, I have a lot to learn!
  • MissAmber215
    MissAmber215 Posts: 14 Member
    I understand completely. I played basketball for 7 years when I was in school. My thighs are crazy thick. To "lose" some of that mass I do alot of cardio and walking. It definitely has helped. Once maybe, twice a week I do strength training for my legs but thats only in my Les Mills Body Pump class (usually). Just remember muscle weighs more than fat. I would suggest the cardio thing if you want them to "shrink". Good luck!! :smile:
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    Hi! So I'm new here, but upon reading your post this is my immediate instinct: I'm pretty sure that if they are, in fact, bigger it's muscle gain. Squats and wall sits are very good for building up muscle, maybe you need to start toning it now? At least that's what I think. I hope I helped!
    NO
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    thats what I was thinking, more cardio maybe/. IDK Im new to this world also. I do about 30 min of cardio followed by 30 min of weights/machines.
    Thanks lacks :)

    You don't need more cardio.. it won't help. It's all about a calorie deficit. But maintaining muscle mass will provide the greatest benefit to your look and leanness. Muscle is tight and lean, so the more you have, the more lean you will be. So eat foods high in protein, lift weights and continue to track calories. Essentially, concentrate on fat loss and minimize muscle loss. Also, self perception can effect you. I can't tell you how many women I know complain about big thighs but their thighs are only 20".
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    The only way to do it is with persistent calorie deficit. Keep losing fat, and eventually the thighs will shrink. There are no exercises that will target fat loss in any one area.

    If they look bigger, but you're on a calorie deficit, you can rest assured that the swelling is temporary and they will go back down after your body acclimates to your new exercise program. You won't gain muscle on a deficit. It might feel like you are for a little while but it WILL go away.

    This.

    My thighs are the very last place I lose weight.

    I lift heavy including squats and deadlifts. While eating at maintenance or a deficit my thighs have never increased in size. When I was purposely trying to gain muscle eating 3000 calories I gained 10lbs in 5 months and only gain an inch on each thigh.
  • endlesswonderr
    endlesswonderr Posts: 91 Member
    Pretty much what all the people here said. A while back I managed to lose a couple inches off each of my thighs and it definitely showed. It was mostly through lots of running and a calorie deficit/very healthy diet. However it was incredibly hard to maintain and I am striving for it again!
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    Lose fat via a deficit and don't be afraid to weight lift. I went from a size 22/24 to a size 14 all while lifting heavy weights (ie close to my own body weight or more). That included squats, deadlifts and not much cardio.

    Oh yeah, ive always hard large thighs too so its not like im the body type that loses easily from the thigh area
  • breakingthecycle722
    breakingthecycle722 Posts: 163
    I am at about 1300 cals already, and I do eat healthy. I think I started my whining a little early. I need to be patient I know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, your posts have helped a lot :):)
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I am at about 1300 cals already, and I do eat healthy. I think I started my whining a little early. I need to be patient I know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, your posts have helped a lot :):)

    1300 calories might be a little light. At this point, you should really be aiming for a 20% deficits from TDEE or between a 300-500 calorie deficit and protein levels around 1g per lb of lean body mass.. Saying you eat healthy, actually doesn't mean anything as healthy is a very loose term. I would recommend opening your diary if you want some suggestions.

    If you want, I can run some numbers if your post your height and full workout routine (I know you workout an hour but how many days is that)?
  • IngridGurule
    IngridGurule Posts: 24
    What if you do plenty of cardio? I have this same problem and I run about 2 - 3 miles on days that I work and up to 5 miles on my days off. I dont eat much on days that I work and when I am off I eat very healthy. But these thighs won't tone down.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    What if you do plenty of cardio? I have this same problem and I run about 2 - 3 miles on days that I work and up to 5 miles on my days off. I dont eat much on days that I work and when I am off I eat very healthy. But these thighs won't tone down.

    Fat loss is achieve through a deficit... it doesnt matter how "healthy" you eat... its all based on calories. Also, if you want to see greater changes, resistance training is the direction you should take or add in.
  • MichelleLaree13
    MichelleLaree13 Posts: 865 Member
    Squats will build up the muscle under the fat. Muscle burns more calories than fat but your legs may be temporarily bigger because of the added muscle. Once you start losing weight, you will really be able to appreciate the muscle that you built up along the way
  • conniedj
    conniedj Posts: 470 Member
    I have big AMERICAN thighs....always have. Now they are big strong American thighs. I was joking on my news feed that zombies would have a feast....lol.

    My measurements went down when I started lifting more consistently and progressively heavy. I highly recommend to lift....heavy for you. Be consistent. Make sure you eat enough (find out your TDEE and BMR--stay above your BMR!). Make sure to eat nutrient dense food~meaning wise choices in eating fresh whole foods vs. processed stuff when possible.

    Increasing cardio *can* help, but it seems that you are doing a moderate amount already. I try to keep my cardio/weightlifting ratio at about 40%/60% ( meaning less cardio minutes vs. lifting minutes) to keep from ramping up too high of a defecit. Staying above BMR on big burn days is a challenge sometimes!

    Seems like a lot....but understanding the basics and creating good, sustainable habits is a great way to start!!! HTH!

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